SafeWise analyzed the number of fatal car crashes due to rain and snow in each state using the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) 2016 crash data. From there, they calculated the likelihood of inclement weather accidents occurring per 100,000 people in each state.
Here’s a look at some of SafeWise’s findings:
- There are significantly more accidents in rain than snow—nearly five times as many. Crashes in rainy conditions numbered 2,145 in 2016, and snowy conditions saw 445 crashes.
- In 2016 there were 2,368 fatalities from crashes in rain and just 482 from snow-related crashes.
- Only six states had more than twenty snow-related crashes, while thirty-one states saw twenty crashes or more due to rain.
- The only state that made both of our lists was Maine. The Pine Tree State came in as the eighth most dangerous state for rain driving, and fifth for driving in the snow.
- Just because there’s a lot of rain in your state, it doesn’t mean you have more crashes. Only two of the most dangerous states for rain driving are also in the top five states for the most rainfall: Alabama and Mississippi.
- Hawaii has the most rain, but only ranks thirty-ninth for rain-related crashes. The Aloha State reported eleven crashes due to rain last year.
- October is the worst month for both rain- and snow-related crashes.
- Only one of the ten most dangerous snow states was also in the top ten for total number of snow-related crashes: Michigan. This wintry state had the highest number of snow crashes (59) and resulting fatalities (72).
- Rhode Island roads are the safest when it comes to driving in both rain and snow. Last year there were zero snow-related crashes and just two in rainy conditions.
- Three of the most dangerous states for rain driving also land in the top ten for total numbers of crashes and fatalities:
- North Carolina: 112 crashes, 117 fatalities
- Kentucky: 67 crashes, 71 fatalities
- Alabama: 64 crashes, 70 fatalities
